Apartment Guide Article

Unlike the other hill resorts in Malaysia, most of the apartment units in Cameron Highlands are privately owned units located in residential areas and were built for local residents. Local residents and even outsiders buy these units and rent them out to tourist as the demand for apartments are very high and the return on investments beats most conservative investments.

With the exception of Equatorial Hotel, Strawberry Park, Parkland Apartments and the major hotels, all the other units you find for rent are private units. The quality of these private units can vary from small basic units with cheap blankets and no balcony to nicely done up units with duvets/comforters and balcony with good views. The basic units which typically resemble an Asian home are mostly meant for local tourist while the higher end units are recommended for foreigners and the higher end traveler. Price wise, they can be almost the same if you know where to look.

This article is to serve as a general guide to help you choose your apartment especially if you have never stayed in any apartments in Cameron Highlands before.

Note: This is just a guide to describe the apartments in Cameron Highlands and not a recommendation.

Apartments in Cameron Highlands

The many apartments in Cameron Highlands can be categorized into 2 types which are:

- Ten blocks of 4 storey walk up apartments spread around a hill next to the Heritage Hotel
- Spacious balcony. Most of the views overlooking greenery.
- Most apartments here are rented to tourist or owned by companies as a holiday home.
- 5 minutes walking distance to Tanah Rata town.
- Low density and more quiet. In terms of quality and location, this would be the best.

Note: The new block of Greenhill Apartment does not come with balcony

Prima Villa Apartments

• Three blocks of 4 storey walk up apartment. One new 7-storey block with elevators.

• Mostly residential units however many units are rented to tourist and long stay visitors.

• Spacious 3 room/2 bathroom units.

• 5 minutes walk to Tanah Rata town.

Carnation Park Apartments

• Located in a residential neighborhood about 15 minutes walk to Tanah Rata town.

• Most units occupied by the local residents.

• Nice setting on the foothills of Gunung Jasar.

• 4-storey walkup units. Small Balcony with views of the main courtyard.

• Quality varies between units.

Parkview Apartments

• Located right in Tanah Rata town.

• Very spacious units

• Easy access to town centre and the shops

• Most units rented to tourists

Royal Lily Apartments

• Two room apartments located above the shoplots at the Royal Lily Park in Tanah Rata.

• Smaller units with no balcony.

• No great views from the apartments

• Walking distance to the Tanah Rata main town area.

Arabella Apartments

• Located on a hill overlooking the schools and hills and 10 minutes walk to Tanah Rata town.

• Mainly occupied by local residents.

• High density

• No balcony

• Some units are managed and kept well for tourists.

• Spacious penthouse units available too.

Desa Anthurium

• Fifteen blocks of low-rise apartments surrounded by the forests.

• Located along the main road between Tanah Rata to Brinchang

• 5 Minutes drive to Tanah Rata town.

• Mostly occupied by local residents however a lots of units are rented to tourists.

• Common BBQ facility

• Spacious penthouse units available too.

Villa Dahlia Apartment

• Located near the golf course along the main road.

• Popular apartments for large groups as it has a hall for rent as well as a check-in office.

• Duplex Penthouse units available too

Iris House Apartments

• Located near the golf course right beside the SmokeHouse hotel

• Fairly new apartment complex with 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms in each unit.

• Standard furnishing in all units.

• Mostly rented out to tourists.

Bougainvilla / Cameron Green Apartment

• One block of apartment located along the road to Strawberry Park Resort.

• Surrounded by the forest, this apartment is low density and very quiet.

• The apartment units are spacious and mostly are for tourist.

• You'll need your own transport if you're staying here

Imperial Court Apartments

• The newest apartment complex which was completed in early 2011.

• Walking distance to Brinchang Town, Pasar Malam Site & Big Red Strawberry Farm.

• All units do come with balcony with views of the mountains or Brinchang Town

• Most units are bought by locals to be rented out to tourists.

Parkland Apartments

• Managed by the same management of Parkland hotel this entire one block apartment is managed as a service apartment for tourists.

• Located on a hill along the main road at the edge of Brinchang Town.

• About 5-10 minutes walk to the mail shopping area of Brinchang.

• All the units come with balcony.

• A small garden with BBQ facilities available too.

Conclusion
There is no perfect apartment to choose from. All depends on your needs and more importantly budget. The private apartments are very popular especially with the locals and some long stay tourists as there is some flexibility especially if you have a big group. Some private units do have the comforts of a hotel standard with balcony facing the mountains and greenery while some units are above shoplots with no balcony which locals might find acceptable but not something a foreign tourist might expect of a highlands holiday..
Tanah Rata, Brinchang or somewhere in between?

Tips:
- Choose reputable agents. Although some agents do not operate as a company, they do provide good and professional service.
- If this is your first time staying in a Cameron Highlands apartment, go for the hotels or higher end private apartments.
- If possible, do not make last minute bookings for peak seasons. You will either have to pay higher price or even get a badly maintained apartment.
- For peak seasons, make your booking before coming up to CH.

If you have feedback on any apartments you have stayed, do share it in our forums.

Thank you
Cameron Highlands Online